The Countries of Scandinavia The Countries of Scandinavia Updated August 30, 2016. Where is Scandinavia: Scandinavia is a region in northern Europe . The Scandinavian Peninsula is the largest peninsula in Europe and it extends from above the Arctic Circle to the North and Baltic Seas. Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region covering much of Northern Europe. In the past, Scandinavia has been defined as the three kingdoms that historically shared the Scandinavian Peninsula. Today, most define Scandinavia as a region which includes: Finland and Iceland are generally included. Greenland , however, is rarely included. If you would like to be introduced to the Scandinavian countries and have ever wondered where exactly Scandinavia is, you have come to the right place... Denmark: The southernmost Scandinavian country, Denmark consists of the Jutland peninsula and over 400 islands, some of which are linked to the mainland by bridge. Almost all of Denmark is low and flat, but there are many low hills as well. continue reading below our video Beware! The 5 Most Common Travel Scams Windmills and traditional thatched cottages can be seen everywhere. Note that the Faroe Islands and Greenland both belong to the Kingdom of Denmark.

Official language: Danish . Capital: Copenhagen . Norway: Also called "The Land of Vikings, and the Midnight Sun ," Norway is the northernmost country in Europe. Norway has a jagged expanse of islands and fjords. The maritime industry sustains the economy here. Official language: Norwegian . Capital: Oslo . Sweden: Sweden offers numerous lakes and is the largest of the Scandinavian countries - both in land size and population. Volvo and Saab both originated here and are a big part of the Swedish industry. Swedish citizens are independently minded and highly regard their people-oriented social programs, especially in women's rights. Official language: Swedish . Capital: Stockholm . Iceland: With a surprisingly mild climate, Iceland is Europe's westernmost country, the second largest island in the North-Atlantic ocean. Flight time to Iceland is only 3 1/2 hours from the European mainland. Iceland has a strong economy, low unemployment, and low inflation, and its per capita income is among the highest in the world. Official language: Icelandic . Capital: Reykjavik . Finland: Finland is another country where the weather is better than many tourists expect. Finland also has one of the lowest immigration rates in the world.

Official language: Finnish (aka Suomi) . Take a look at the weather in Finland , and learn more about the travel destination Finland and its interesting capital Helsinki . Now that you know more about Scandinavia's countries, take a look at the maps of Scandinavia and learn more about the capitals of Scandinavia . About Scandinavia: Scandinavia is considered to be the northern European peninsula that includes the countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and several thousands of islands. In modern times, sometimes Finland is considered to belong to this region, if only partially in terms of either culture, travel or political issues at some point. Also, see Scandinavia or Nordic Countries? Be sure to explore the country-specific categories on the left to learn more about the countries of Scandinavia, their capitals, and more travel tips! You can also take a look at the Maps of Scandinavia ! Scandinavia travel guide - Wikitravel Territories[ edit ] Faroe Islands — an autonomous territory of Denmark. Greenland , an autonomous territory of Denmark and member of the Nordic Council, also part of the Nordic Countries. Geographically but not culturally it is part of (native) North America .

Svalbard — administered by Norway, it is a land frozen all year round, except during its short summers, which lasts for just 3 weeks, in that time it becomes a wild life's paradise. Åland — an autonomous territory of Finland, but culturally belongs to Sweden. Cities[ edit ] Urban Scandinavia includes many historic cities by the Baltic sea. Pictured: the Nyhavn canal of Copenhagen , Denmark There is a constant and long-standing rivalry between Copenhagen and Stockholm over which city can claim the title as Scandinavia's unofficial capital. Depending on how you count, both cities are the largest, most visited, and the target of most investment. However, after the completion of the Øresund bridge, and subsequent integration of Copenhagen and Malmö - Sweden's third largest city, this region is fast emerging as the main urban centre in Scandinavia, famous for its fairytale parks and castles and its liberal attitudes, while Stockholm arguably grabs the title as the most beautiful. Understand[ edit ] Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), found north of the Arctic circle The name Scandinavia comes from the Skandage body of water that lies sandwiched between Norway, Sweden, and the Jutland peninsula of Denmark .

Strictly speaking, the term covers only those three countries, but here we use it in its broader sense to cover all of Nordic Europe (Norden). The Scandinavian nations share many cultural traits including similar flags and many related languages. The region is known for its natural beauty and more recently its liberalism. Denmark, Finland and Sweden are EU members. Oil and gas rich Norway, and, the only island nation (to the west), Iceland, are not. The Nordic countries all enjoy a relatively strong economy. Norway and Iceland have in particular profited from an abundance of natural resources. Sweden and Finland also have their share of natural resources, but are in the international marketplace mostly famous for strong brands like Volvo, Saab, Ericsson and Nokia. Although Denmark has developed sophisticated business in a number of industries, it is above all the leading agricultural country in Scandinavia. Strong economies and relatively small social differences translates into high prices for visitors. Elaborate welfare states are a common characteristic of the Nordic countries. Most things are generally highly organized and tourists should expect everything to proceed according to plans, rules and timetables.

According to Transparency International, the Nordic countries are the least corrupt in the world (matched only by a handful of countries including Canada, New Zealand and Singapore). History[ edit ] Scandinavia was covered by an ice sheet around 10.000 BC. As the ice pushed the land down, it is still rising from the sea, at a rate near 1 cm a year. While the north Germanic peoples populated southern coastal areas, Finns and Sami migrated from the Ural Mountains. From around AD 700, Norse sailors known as Vikings ventured across the Atlantic and European rivers, reaching as far as present-day Canada, Morocco and the Caspian Sea. Christianity did not get a grip on Scandinavia until around AD 1000. The 16th to 19th centuries, Denmark and Sweden fought for domination of northern Europe in 11 wars. Norway, Finland and Iceland regained independence during the early 20th century. Geography[ edit ] Denmark borders on Germany , while Finland and Norway border on Russia , but otherwise the Nordic countries are separated from their neighbors by the Baltic, the North Sea or the Atlantic itself.

An abundance of land, water and wilderness is a common characteristic of the Nordic countries (except Denmark where most of the country is farmland or settlements). For example, Sweden is one of the largest countries in Europe in area but only has some 9 million inhabitants. The landscapes and nature do, however, vary across the Nordic countries. Denmark is a flat lowland like the Netherlands and Northern Germany. Iceland is both volcanic and arctic. Norway and Sweden share the Scandinavian peninsula which is highest on the Atlantic coast and gradually becomes lower until Sweden meets the Baltic sea. The Scandinavian mountains, running from Southern Norway and past Tromsø in Northern Norway, are steep and rugged on the Atlantic side, gentle on the Eastern side. Finland is relatively flat, somewhat colder, and characterized by lakes scattered over the entire country. Large parts of Sweden and Finland (as well as parts of Norway) are covered by deep pine tree forests that are essentially the western branch of great Russian taiga. Galdhøpiggen in Norways Jotunheimen national park, is with its 2.469 meters the tallest mountain north of the Alps, while Kebnekaise, 2104 meters tall, is the highest mountain in Sweden.

Climate[ edit ] The northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland, as well as most of Greenland, are within the Arctic . Due to the high latitude, winter days are really short. Likewise summer nights are very short and in the northern most part there is even midnight sun in the summer. While central parts of Scandinavia (the Oslo-Stockholm-Copenhagen triangle) are more densely populated, vast areas in the north or in the mountains are hardly populated at all. Because of this, space, light and nature are key characteristics of the four northern countries, with the exception of Denmark. Despite the high latitude central parts, the Nordic countries have a relatively mild climate, at least much warmer than would be expected at this latitude. Northern parts have subarctic climate, while southern parts and coastal areas enjoy a temperate climate. Denmark and coastal areas of Southern Norway, Iceland and Western Sweden experience only occasional frost and snow during winter. Summers in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland are pleasantly warm with day temperatures 15 to 30 degrees C. In the mountains and along western coasts, the weather is generally more unstable. Finland has the most stable sunny weather in summer.

In general, the further inland, the bigger the difference between summer and winter. The Baltic side is generally colder in winter than the North Sea side. Western Norway and the Atlantic Islands have the smallest difference between summer and winter. See Scandinavia for winter for visiting Scandinavia for Christmas, New Year and winter sports. Talk[ edit ] Danish , Norwegian and Swedish are closely related and mutually intelligible to varying degrees, especially in writing, although some spoken dialects can be quite incomprehensible. As these are all Germanic languages, if you speak German or Dutch, you will find many cognates, and even English speakers will be able to recognise the odd word once they get their heads around the phonetic spelling: eg. English school is Swedish skola and Danish/Norwegian skole, while first becomes först/først. Icelandic and Faroese , while also related, have been kept in a linguistic freezer since the 13th century, and are largely unintelligible to other Germanic speakers. The real outlier is Finnish , which belongs to the Finno-Ugric family and is entirely unrelated to the other Nordic (and Indo-European) languages.

Finland, however, maintains a roughly 5% Swedish-speaking minority, and all Finns learn Swedish in school. As Finnish is related to Hungarian and Estonian, speakers of those languages will recognise several cognates. The Saami language also belongs to the Finno-Ugric family and is an official language in some municipalities of Lapland . The Nordic alphabets use a few special letters: å, ä/æ, ø/ö (and others in Icelandic). As these are letters in their own right, proper spelling of Nordic names is much appreciated by Nordic peoples. However as far as most foreigners are concerned, communicating in Scandinavia is easy, as virtually everybody under 65 speaks at least basic English, and younger people tend to be fluent. Most students also study a third major European language, such as German, French and increasingly Spanish. Norway, Sweden and Denmark have some of the world's highest English proficiency rates among countries where English is not an official language.

Foreign language television programmes (as well as locally-produced programmes with segments which use foreign language) and films are usually shown in their original language with subtitles, with only children's programmes sometimes being dubbed into the local language, and even then DVDs and cinemas also offer the original language with subtitles, and it is widely believed that this links to the high English proficiency among young children here. Get-in[ edit ] The Skärgården Archipelago runs along much the Bothnia coast, Åland and finnish gulf, it consists of thousands of rocky inlets, like this one seen from the Stockholm - Tallinn ferry Norway is rightly famous for spectacular fjords like Geirangerfjord All Nordic countries are part of the Schengen agreement. Please see the article Travel in the Schengen Zone for more information on the entry requirements and proedures. However, please be also aware as well that Norway and Iceland are not members of the European Union. This means that whilst there are no passport control stations when travelling from any other Schengen country to these two countries, both these countries each maintain their own customs rules which you need to clear upon arrival.

This has particular implications if you are planning to make a connection to a Norwegian or Icelandic city via another Norwegian or Icelandic airport respectively: you need to pick-up your bags at the first (not final) port of entry into Norway or Iceland, clear them through customs, re-check them again and be screened at security. By plane[ edit ] Due to the large distances and the water surrounding most of the Nordic area, airplane is often the most effective way of getting to the Nordic countries. All the main cities have international airports, and even smaller cities like Haugesund and Ålesund serve some international flights. Almost all European airlines service Scandinavian airports. SAS Scandinavian Airlines [2] (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) - Scandinavia's largest carrier and the flag carrier of all 3 countries, main international hub is Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup. Seattle , Chicago , Minneapolis-St Paul , Orlando , Boston , New York , Denver , Washington D.C. , Anchorage , Toronto , Vancouver , Halifax and Edmonton .

Atlantic Airways [5] (Faroe Islands) - Flies to many destinations in the North Atlantic, including Britain and Iceland, and their partner airline Air Iceland (Flugfélag Íslands) [6] extends the North Atlantic network to include serveral destinations on Greenland . Besides the regional airlines, there are also serveral major international airlines which offers direct routes to Scandinavia. Emirates, Gulf Air, Air Canada and Singapore Airlines fly to Copenhagen, Air China to Stockholm, while PIA (Pakistan), Thai, Qatar Airways, US Airways, Delta, and Continental Airlines all service serveral intercontinental routes to Scandinavia. Alternative low cost airlines in the region include Blue1 [7] in Finland, Norwegian [8] in Norway, Sweden and Denmark, Cimber Sterling [9] in Denmark and Wow Air [10] in Iceland. All of these airlines has routes to one of the London airports, and hence London is a good entry point, if you can find a cheaper flight there, which is often the case. Many of the low cost airlines mainly service routes between the cold Scandinavia and the sunny Mediterranean, hence you can also often find bargin flights from Spain, Italy, etc.

By train[ edit ] Denmark is well-connected to the German rail network. The direct connection to Copenhagen is, however, by the Puttgarden-Rødby ferry. Sweden is connected to Danish railways via the Øresund bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö or to the German capital by a bi-daily night train during the summer, bypassing Denmark via the Trelleborg - Rostock ferry. Due to the barrier provided by the Baltic sea, the only other connection to the European mainland, is via Moscow or St Petersburg in Russia . For interrail pass holders most of the ferries crossing the Baltic and North seas offers discounts (25-50%), but only the Scandlines ferries are completely included in the pass (see By ferry section). Stena Line [29] , 11 hours DFDS Lisco [30] , 15 hours Polferries [31] , 6½ hours DFDS Seaways [32] , 18 hours ¹ By car[ edit ] Denmark is directly connected to the continental road network. From Denmark it is possible to cross to Sweden over the Öresund bridge. There are also many ferry connections from Denmark, most of them takes cars.

The only overland alternative to the Öresund bridge is to enter via Russia to Finland or Norway. Save a few short stretches of regular road, you can drive all the way to Stockholm or Oslo on highway from the German ones, but keep in mind that the tolls on the two Danish highway bridges you need to pass to get to Sweden are heavy, and you could easily be saving money taking a more direct route with a ferry. Most roads in Scandinavian are toll free, with the exception of Norway [33] . Some of the longer bridges and tunnels levy tolls to pay for their construction and some of the larger cities (most notably Stockholm) have introduced congestion charges when driving in the centre. Speed limits are uniform, 50 km/h in cities and 80 km/h on rural roads unless otherwise indicated. the speed limit outside the city is 80 km/h in winter and 100 in summer unless otherwise marked. In Finland, the speed limit within the city limit is 40 mph.

Most expressways in Finland have a speed limit of 100 km/h year round except larger expressways such as Turku-Helinski and Tampere-Helsinki, which are 120-130 as marked. During winter, Motorways range from 100 in Norway, 110 in Sweden,´to 130 in Denmark, again unless other speed limits are signposted. Speeding in city zones are considered a severe offence, and there are many unmarked automatic speed traps installed in such zones. Winter driving skills are essential through much of the year, when roads are treacherously slippery, winter tires are mandatory and speed limits are reduced. By ferry[ edit ] Silja Serenade, a typical Helsinki-Stockholm ferry Major coastal cities of the Baltic Sea are often connected with ferry lines, e.g. Turku-Stockholm and Helsinki-Tallinn, and ferries are a natural part of many journeys for Scandinavians. The larger long-distance ferries are in effect cruise ships, with behemoths like the Silja Europa featuring 13 decks stacked full of shops, restaurants, spas, saunas etc.

Longer routes are nearly always scheduled to sail during the night, so you arrive fresh to continue the often long journeys required in Scandinavia. If you travel by ferry to Norway or pass through Åland , there are Tax Free sales on board, since Norway is not part of the EU and Åland is subject to special regulations. For the same reason some of these lines, especially Stockholm-Helsinki ferry, are known as party boats, since alcohol escapes the normal heavy taxation. In addition to major lines listed below, the Hurtigruten ferries, running all along Norways amazing jagged coast line, and through spectacular fjords, from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the Arctic north, docking in many small hamlets and villages on the way - offers a unique and very Scandinavian experience. From See also: Rail travel in Europe Trains are an adequate way of traveling around Scandinavia. International connections between Denmark, southern Sweden and southern Norway are good, but up north services are sparse and there is a short gap in the network between northern Sweden and Finland, although most railpasses allow free use of the connecting bus service. Iceland has no trains at all.

The previous night train connection between Copenhagen and Oslo has been retired, and this route now requires a change in Gothenburg, on the other hand day time connections has become much more frequent after the opening of the Øresund bridge (8½ hours). Between Copenhagen and Stockholm up to 7 X2000 express trains runs directly every day (5½ hours), and the daily night train only requires an easy change in Malmö (7½ hours). Further north there are two daily connections between Oslo and Bodø (17 hours, via Trondheim ) - the northernmost stop on the Norwegian railway network, and two daily night trains (regular & express) between Stockholm and Umeå / Luleå (16-20 hours) in the northernmost part of Sweden. In the summer Lapplandståget [44] - Scandinavias longest railway journey, will take you directly all the way from Malmö (& Copenhagen) in the south to Narvik in the north via Sweden.

The ScanRail pass was retired in 2007, but visitors not resident in Europe can opt for the very similar Eurail Scandinavia Pass [45] , which offers 4 to 10 days of travel in a 2-month period for €232-361. For residents of Europe, the all-Europe or single-country Interrail passes are also an option. Major railway companies in Scandinavian include DSB [46] & Arriva [47] in Denmark, NSB [48] in Norway, SJ [49] and Veolia [50] in Sweden and VR [51] in Finland. By bus[ edit ] If you are not using a rail pass, long distance buses will often be a cheaper alternative, especially for longer journeys. But since highways are almost exclusively centred around the southern half of Scandinavia, journey times become increasingly uncompetitive the further north you get, on the other hand, rail services also get increasingly sparse in northern Scandinavia.

There is no dominant company like Greyhound is in North America, but a host of local, regional and national bus companies, some of the major companies include; GoByBus [52] and Eurolines [53] and Swebus [54] which all service routes in the Scandinavian triangle between Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm. In addition the major national intercity bus companies are Abildskou [55] in Denmark, Nor-Way [56] and Nettbuss [57] in Norway and Matkahuolto [58] in Finland. By car[ edit ] Think twice before driving a car in Scandinavia. Rentals are expensive, gasoline is very expensive and distances are long. In Norway, in particular, distances that seem short on a map can be very long and tiring if you need to drive along twisty fjord roads. Collisions with wildlife, particularly deer and reindeer, are common and dangerous. If planning on driving in Scandinavia outside the summer season, you will need to be familiar with winter driving conditions and equip your car accordingly. Festivals[ edit ] Scandinavia, and in particular Denmark, is known for its many music festivals during the summer months.

The largest in each country are: Roskilde Festival [59] (Denmark, early July) - One of the worlds most famous rock festivals, with 70,000 tickets for sale and 30,000 volunteers. Ruisrock [60] (Finland, July) - Finland's largest music festival, held on an island near Turku , with around 70,000 spectators. Hultsfred [61] (Sweden, July) - Sweden's main rock festival, takes place in southern Sweden and has an attendance of ~30,000. Arvika [62] (Sweden, July) - Sweden's main synth festival, takes place close to Norwegian border in mid Sweden and has an attendance of ~30,000. Quart [63] (Norway, June/July) - Norway's main rock festival, and in Kristiansand in southern Norway. Hove [64] (Norway, June-July) - Hove Festival mixes large international acts with Norwegian bands in the unique setting of an island outside Arendal city. 50,000 tickets sold. G!

Festival [65] (Faroe Islands, July) - The Faroes' main (and arguably only) event, with around 10,000 participants and 6,000 tickets sold every year. Mainly local and Scandinavian bands. Iceland Airwaves [66] (Iceland, October) - A progressive, trendsetting, music festival that attracts around 2000 visitors every year, besides the many locals showing up. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Finland is the only Nordic country using the Euro. Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden each has a national currency, all known as krona or krone (plural kronor/kroner), often shortened kr, all four with free-floating exchange rates. The centesimal subdivision øre is used in Norway and Denmark. The national currencies are distinguished by the acronyms DKK, ISK, NOK and SEK. Other currencies than the national ones are usually not accepted, except in border towns. As ATMs are common, and most establishments accept credit cards (at least VISA and Mastercard), you don't need to carry a lot of cash. Make no mistake, Scandinavia is the most expensive region in Europe.

This is not a region for those who have shallow pockets. A lot of items that would normally cost €3 in the rest of the continent could easily cost €5 or possibly even more in this region. In fact, a litre of water in Denmark can cost up to 10 times as much as it would cost in Eastern Europe. Some suggested shopping items are traditional handicraft, and modern Scandinavian design. Neither is cheap, though. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Smørrebrød, the famous Danish open-faced sandwich The cuisines of all Scandinavian countries are quite similar, although each country does have its signature dishes. Seafood features prominently on restaurant menus, although beef, pork and chicken are more common in many everyday dishes. Potatoes are the main staple, most often simply boiled, but also made into mashed potatoes, potato salad and more. Spices are used sparingly, but fresh herbs are used to accentuate the ingredients.

Famous pan-Scandinavian dishes include: Meatballs, served with potatoes, berries and creamy sauce Salmon, especially smoked or salt-cured (gravlax) Smörgåsbord, a popular lunch option with bread, herring, smoked fish, cold cuts and more Bread comes in dozens of varieties, with dark, heavy rye bread a specialty, and Scandinavian pastries are so well known that the word "danish" has even been imported into English. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Chilling out at the Arctic Icebar, Helsinki Vikings were famously heavy drinkers, and despite continuing government efforts to stamp out the demon drink through heavy taxation, todays Scandinavians continue the tradition. Bring in your full tax-free allowance if you plan to indulge, since in Norway you can expect to pay up to 100 kr (€10) (as of 2015) for a pint of beer in a pub, and Sweden and Finland are not far behind. To reduce the pain, it is common to start drinking at home before heading out to party. The drinking age is generally 18 in all Nordic countries (but 20 in Iceland), but many bars and clubs have their own age limits.

The main tipples are beer and vodka-like distilled spirits called brännvin/brennevin, including herb-flavored akvavit. Spirits are typically drunk as snaps or ice-cold from shot glasses. Scandinavia may have a liberal image, but drugs including cannabis are treated with zero tolerance by the police, and possession of even personal use amounts is a serious crime in all five countries, but small amounts usually do not result in jail time. Denmark, long more liberal than the rest, has also taken a harder line in recent years and tried to fight the drug dealing in Christiania , but the police's attempts to get inside of the area failed, and was met with harsh resistance from the people within that area. The area still stands, and is known as the part of Copenhagen where drugs are easily accessible. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Although hotels in Scandinavia, especially Denmark, can be very pricey at times, you can save a lot if you plan way ahead and are ready to pay in advance. The three largest popular hotel operators in the region (with the exception of Iceland) include Scandic, Radisson Blu, and Nordic Choice.

International brands such as Hilton, Accor, can be found in big cities but have a minuscule presence. Throughout Scandinavia, with exception of densely populated Denmark, Allemansrätten , or "Every Man's Right" in English, is an important underpinning of society, and guarantees everyone the right to stay or camp on any uncultivated land for one or two nights, as long as you respect certain norms, stay out of sight of any residents, and leave no traces of your visit when you leave. If you enjoy the great outdoors, this can help make the otherwise expensive Scandinavian countries, become quite affordable. With so much incredible nature outside the doorstep, it should be no surprise that the Scandinavian countries have a well developed Hostel network, named Vandrerhjem/Vandrarhem in the Scandinavian languages - literally translating into "wanderers' home" or "hikers' home". While the rules are often quite strict, it is cheap, and with almost 800 hostels available, you can find one almost anywhere.

The respective national organisations are called Danhostel [67] in Denmark, STF [68] or SVIF [69] in Sweden, Norske Vandrerhjem [70] in Norway, SRM [71] in Finland and finally Farfuglar [72] in Iceland. Respect[ edit ] The Scandinavian nations are distinct from each other. They have friendly rivalry against each other (especially Denmark, Finland and Norway against Sweden), so comparisons in favour of their own country will be appreciated. Despite the region's liberal leaning, be aware that the royal families in Scandinavia are protected against defamation. Lèse-majesté laws are implemented in most of the monarchs. Don't say anything against them or you risk getting in trouble with the law. Scadinavia's Five Countries and Its Geography 1. Norway Norway is located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula between the North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. It has an area of 125,020 square miles (323,802 sq km) and 15,626 miles (25,148 km) of coastline.

Norway's topography is varied with high plateaus and rugged, glaciated mountain ranges that are separated by fertile valleys and plains. It also has a rugged coastline that is made up of many fjords. Its climate is temperate along the coast due to the North Atlantic Current, while inland it is cold and wet. Norway has a population 5,265,158 (July 2016 estimate) and its capital city is Oslo. Its economy is growing and is based mainly on industries including petroleum and gas, shipbuilding and fishing. More » continue reading below our video What are the Seven Wonders of the World The Sweden flag is blue with a golden yellow cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007 2. Sweden Sweden is also located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered to the west by Norway and Finland to the east and it is along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia.

Sweden covers an area of 173,860 square miles (450,295 sq km) and it has 1,999 miles (3,218 km) of coastline. The topography of Sweden flat to rolling lowlands as well as mountains in its western areas near Norway. Its highest point, Kebnekaise at 6,926 feet (2,111 m) is located there. The climate of Sweden is temperate in the south and subarctic in the north. The capital and largest city in Sweden is Stockholm which is located on its east coast. Sweden has a population of 9,880,604 (July 2016 estimate). It also has a strong, developed economy. More » The Denmark flag is red with a white cross that extends to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side (this design element was subsequently adopted by Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007 3. Denmark Denmark is located in Northern Europe north of Germany.

It has coastlines which cover 4,545 miles (7,314 km) that are along the Baltic and North Seas. The total land area of Denmark is 16,638 square miles (43,094 sq km). This area includes the mainland of Denmark as well as two large islands that are called Sjaelland and Fyn. The topography of Denmark consists mostly of low and flat plains. The highest point in Denmark is Mollehoj/Ejer Bavnehoj at 561 feet (171 m), while its lowest point is Lammefjord at -23 feet (-7 m). The climate of Denmark is mainly temperate and it has cool but humid summers and windy, mild winters. The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen and the country has a population of 5,593,785 (July 2016 estimate). The economy is dominated by industries focused on pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and maritime shipping.

More » The Finland flag is white with a blue cross extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007 4. Finland Finland is a Northern European country that is located between Sweden and Russia and northern border with Norway. It covers a total land area of 130,558 square miles (338,145 sq km) and has 776 miles (1,250 km) of coastline. Finland has coasts along Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland. The topography of Finland consists of low rolling plains as well as many lakes. The highest point in Finland is Haltiatunturi at 4,357 feet (1,328 m). Finland's climate is cold temperate and as such, it is relatively mild despite its high latitude . This is due to the moderating influence of the North Atlantic Current and many lakes.

The population of Finland is 5,498,211 (July 2016 estimate) and its capital is Helsinki. The country's manufacturing is dominated by engineering, telecommunications, and electronics industries including notable strengths in mobile phone technologies. More » The Iceland flag is blue with a red cross outlined in white extending to the edges of the flag; the vertical part of the cross is shifted to the hoist side in the style of the Dannebrog (Danish flag). Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007 5. Iceland Iceland is an island nation located in Northern Europe just south of the Arctic Circle. By most accounts it is considered a Scandinavian country. It has a total land area of 39,768 square miles (103,000 sq km) and a coastline that covers 3,088 miles (4,970 km). The topography of Iceland is varied and it is one of the most volcanic regions in the world. As such it has a rugged landscape with hot springs, sulphur beds, geysers, lava fields, canyons and waterfalls. There are also many active volcanoes in Iceland.

Iceland's climate is temperate and it is moderated by the Gulf Stream . It has mild, windy winters and wet, cool summers. The capital of Iceland is Reykjavik and its population of 335,878 (July 2010 estimate) makes it by far the least populous of the Scandinavian countries. Iceland's economy is anchored in a fishing industry that is under threat of overfishing, but growing sectors in tourism and renewable energy (geothermal and hydropower) are growing. More » The World's Most Northernmost Cities List By Amanda Briney Updated October 12, 2016. The Northern Hemisphere is known for having more land than the Southern Hemisphere . However, much of that land is undeveloped and the areas that are developed into large cities and towns are clustered in lower latitudes in places like the United States and central Europe. The largest city with the highest latitude is Helsinki, Finland . It is located at a latitude of 60°10'15''N and it has a metropolitan population of over one million people.

Reykjavík, Iceland is the world's northernmost capital city with a latitude just under the Arctic Circle at 64°08'N. Reykjavík is also large with a 2008 population of 120,165. Large cities like Helsinki and Reykjavík are rare in the far north. There are however, some small towns and cities that are located very far north in the harsh climates of the Arctic Circle above 66.5°N latitude. The following is a list of the world's ten northernmost settlements with a permanent population of over 500. The list is arranged in order of latitude and population numbers have been included for reference. continue reading below our video 4 Tips for Improving Test Performance 1) Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway SCANDINAVIA AND ICELAND SCANDINAVIA AND ICELAND FIND OUT MORE Scandinavia, the most northerly region in Europe, is made up of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Together with the volcanic island of Iceland, this is a sparsely populated land of mountains, pine forests, and unpolluted lakes.

In the far north, snow falls for six months of the year. Parts of Scandinavia are highly industrialized, but agriculture is important in Denmark and parts of Finland, where the flatter land is more suitable for farming. NORWEGIAN FJORD Norway’s west coast is heavily indented with long, deep inlets called fjords. These were carved out by glaciers during past ice ages. Today, the fjords shelter villages and towns and make perfect natural harbors. WHERE DO MOST SCANDINAVIANS LIVE? Most Scandinavians live in the south of the region, away from the harsh northern climate. Towns, cities, roads, and railroads have been built on flat land in valleys, beside lakes, and along coasts. Many coastal towns, including all the capital cities, are important ports. Scandinavia has so many lakes and rivers that boats are a vital form of transportation for people and their goods. WHY IS TIMBER SO IMPORTANT TO FINLAND? Trees are Finland’s most important natural resource. About three-fourths of the country is covered in forests of pine, spruce, and birch.

The softwood timber they provide supplies the building and furniture industries, and accounts for about a third of the country’s exports. In addition, Finland is the world’s largest producer of plywood, wood pulp, and paper. DO SCANDINAVIANS HAVE A GOOD STANDARD OF LIVING? The people of the region enjoy high living standards. All Scandinavian countries have small populations, and provide good child-care facilities, schools and universities, and health care for all. With low levels of unemployment, these services are funded through high taxation. DO SCANDINAVIANS PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT? People in Scandinavia value their unspoiled country and work hard to protect it. They avoid pollution by recycling waste materials and making use of natural sources of energy. Electricity is generated by wind power in Denmark, geothermal power in Iceland, and hydroelectric power across the whole region. WHERE IS THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN? The far north of Scandinavia is known as the land of the “Midnight Sun.” In midsummer, the sun never sets, and there are 24 hours of daylight. During midwinter, the sun hardly rises and there are just a few hours of natural daylight.

The darkness has an effect on some of the population, who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. WHAT IS LAPLAND? Lapland is a region that stretches across the northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, deep inside the Arctic Circle. The Sami people have lived in Lapland for centuries, surviving the long, harsh winters by herding reindeer for meat, milk, and skins. Today, the Sami still keep their own language and customs, but increased development is threatening their traditional way of life. HOW DOES ICELAND USE ITS ACTIVE VOLCANOES? Iceland has more than 100 volcanoes. At least 20 of these are active and could erupt at any time. The underground heat created by volcanoes is known as geothermal power and is used to produce electricity. Geothermal power stations are clean, cheap, and also provide hot water and heating. Together with the electricity from water-powered stations, they supply all of Iceland’s energy needs.

FACTFILE: SCANDINAVIA & ICELAND Norway Trip Planner • Plan your Norway vacation itinerary • Inspirock View more plans See all plans » Norway Holiday Planning Guide Take a trip up north and visit Norway, the land of fjords, northern lights, unspoiled nature, and friendly communities. Norway is a haven for those who enjoy an outdoor vacation, with numerous resorts for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as countless trails for hiking in the summer or dog sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. Norway's cities combine historical and modern architecture and feature a selection of museums, art galleries, and performance venues. Meanwhile, traditional ways of life, local customs, and crafts are celebrated in many open-air and ethnological museums across the land. Even though the country has a modern and elaborate system of roads, Norway continues to foster its ancient connection with the sea. Take to the waters yourself with tours of the fjords and scenic coast or a whale watching trip. Places to Visit in Norway Regions of Norway Eastern Norway : The eastern region of Norway is a favorite among visitors, offering the full scope of Scandinavian experiences from scenic landscapes and traditional villages to the enticing capital of Oslo.

Western Norway : Home to the country's best seafood, famous glaciers, and coastal fishing villages, this region offers a plethora of outdoor Norway vacation ideas, from hiking and cycling to skiing and snowboarding. Northern Norway : The northernmost tip of Europe draws travelers with its arctic outdoor adventures, views of auroras, round-the-clock summer sunshine, and vibrant cities--all worthwhile additions to your Norway holiday. Southern Norway : While visitors enjoy lake and river destinations inland, a majority of life in the south of Norway revolves around the coast, from larger cities like Kristiansand and Arendal to small port towns with serene surroundings. Central Norway : Known for its natural beauty, the center of Norway is home to all things mountain-related, from rafting and climbing to winter sports, as well as a rich cultural heritage, like its traditional wooden churches and original capital, Trondheim. Cities in Norway Oslo : An ideal holiday for museum-lovers and urbanites, the country's capital is a fast-growing cultural center with over a thousand years of history to explore on foot or by bike. Plus, it makes a great jumping-off point for tours of Norway.

Bergen : A great base city for day trips to the fjords of Norway's west coast and outdoor attractions, Bergen also enjoys a reputation as a destination for underground music, though it offers a number of museums and family-friendly attractions as well. Tromso : Tromso, a university town with a famous historical center, boasts one of the highest concentrations of wooden houses in Europe, a lively bar scene, and access to see the northern lights, which tops many Norway itineraries. Stavanger : Though filled with hip galleries, lush parks, and wooden houses in its historical old town, Stavanger is most visited by foodies wanting to check out its famous culinary scene during their gastronomic tour of Norway. Trondheim : Situated along the southern coast of a major Norwegian fjord, the oldest city in the country is beloved by travelers for its walkable historical center and famous Nidarosdomen church. Geiranger : One of the country's most visited ports, the stunning village of Geiranger serves as a gateway to scenic fjords, nature tours, and outdoor adventures.

Things to Do in Norway Popular Norway Tourist Attractions Vigeland Museum : In addition to being a beautiful green space in the middle of Oslo, Vigeland Park hosts artist Gustav Vigeland's lifework, including over 200 sculptures made of bronze, granite, and iron. Mount Floyen and the Funicular (Floibanen) : During your trip to Bergen, hop on this iconic funicular and ascend along Mount Floyen to the top, taking in panoramic views along the way. Viking Ship Museum : Add a dose of Viking history to your Norway vacation with visit to Oslo's Viking Ship Museum. You'll see three authentic Viking vessels built over a thousand years ago--the Soeberg, the Gokstad, and the Tune--and discover well-preserved artifacts dating back to the 800s. Fish Market : Taste Norwegian cuisine and mingle with Bergen locals at this lively market in the city's central wharf, where fishermen and vendors have flocked since medieval times. The Flam Railway : Enjoy some classic Norway sightseeing, including the Rjoandefossen Waterfall and other natural attractions, with a ride along the Flam Railway.

The historical train tour brings you all the way to the top of Mydral Mountain. Fram Polar Ship Museum : Step onto an actual ship sailed by Nobel Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen at the Fram Polar Ship Museum, which delves into the polar voyages of storied Norwegian explorers Orro Sverdrup, Ronald Amundsem, and Nansen himself. Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Ski Jump Tower : While the Holmenkollen Ski Museum offers a glimpse into 4,000 years of ski history in Norwegian culture, the Ski Jump Tower allows visitors to ride down a thrilling zipline or try the Kollen Ski Simulator to see what it's like to ski one of the most challenging slopes. Bryggen : A World Heritage Site and one of the most visited of Norway's attractions, Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf dates back to the 11th century and boasts a fascinating blend of pubs, restaurants, galleries, shops, and medieval wooden buildings.

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History : The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo gives tourists a chance to experience local culture through large collections of artifacts, including the over 150 historical buildings from throughout the country that make up the site's open-air museum. Pulpit Rock : A natural formation dating back more than 10,000 years, Pulpit Rock has become a fantastic hiking destination that offers expansive views of Lysefjord. Planning a Norway Vacation with Kids Places to Visit in Norway with Kids Norway's abundance of family-friendly attractions makes it a great vacation destination for groups of all ages. The capital city, Oslo , has a variety museums that entertain both kids and adults, like the Viking Ship Museum , where everyone can step aboard authentic voyagers from the adventurous past. Children can also explore the open-air collection of country homes at the The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History or engage in interactive exhibitions at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology . Bergen makes another fantastic destination for families with sights like the Akvariet i Bergen , where even the youngest children can enjoy seeing Arctic Monkeys and crocodile feedings, and the Bryggen , a buzzing, atmospheric spot where teenagers will love to shop and eat.

If you prefer outdoor activities, the countryside offers coastal beauty in Southern Norway , aurora viewing in Northern Norway , and hiking in Central Norway . Things to Do in Norway with Kids Whether you're after an active holiday or a more urban adventure, your entire family can find things to do during your holiday in Norway. Spend the day biking around Bygdøy or have a picnic at one of the nation's many impressive green spaces, including Vigeland Museum in Oslo . You can tour the many fjords along the coast or head north to take in the northern lights or celebrate the midnight sun. Younger kids may prefer the array of aquariums, hands-on museums, and open-air sites to traditional Norwegian attractions. Tips for a Family Vacation in Norway To optimize your family's trip to Norway, consider staying in cities and using them as a base for day trips and outdoor attractions. This way, you and your family will get the best balance of nature-focused tours and activities that the country is famous for, like rafting, biking, and hiking, along with cultural sites in the city, which offer pedestrian zones and parks where kids can run free, as well as interactive, child-friendly museums (often Viking-focused).

It's very safe to travel with kids within Norway, and cottage or apartment rentals make great options for families, as these can sometimes be easier and more affordable than a hotel when traveling in a group. Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Norway Cuisine of Norway Norwegian cuisine is largely influenced by the country's fishing culture. Cod and other local catches feature as staples of the Norwegian diet, along with the game typically hunted here, like reindeer, moose, and even whale. While the national dishes still consist of the above--plus lamb, pork, sausage, and boiled potatoes--there has also been a wave of "Americanization" in recent years, as well as international restaurants springing up throughout metropolitan areas. Shopping in Norway Shopping in Norway offers a wide array of experiences, from upscale Norwegian boutiques and smaller traditional craft shops to international stores like Zara and H&M in city centers. If clothing is what you desire, the country's major cities, like its capital Oslo , all contain shopping districts and malls. If you're more interested in food and crafts, head to local markets, like the famous Fish Market in Bergen. While Norway is quite expensive, unique souvenirs are worth investing in if you cannot find them elsewhere.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Norway History of Norway The official history of the westernmost and northernmost Scandinavian country dates back to 872 CE, when Herald Fairhair unified the Viking Kingdoms of Norway. Viking exploration and a centuries-old fishing culture have had an enduring influence on this nation. After the founding of Norway, many Norwegians left and traveled to other locations, settling in Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Scotland, and Ireland. In the 1300s, Norway and Sweden were brought together under the rule of the Norwegian king, who was elected King of Sweden. By the end of the 14th century, Denmark was absorbed as well, creating the Kalmar Union of these three unified Scandinavian countries. In 1521, Sweden was the first to break free of the union, though it wasn't until 1814 that Denmark claimed its independence. After this period, Norway and Sweden united once again, until 1905 when "Modern Norway," or Norway as we know it today, came into being. Despite its independence, Norway has strong cultural and historical ties to other Scandinavian nations.

Norway underwent a tumultuous period during World War II, when it was occupied by Nazi forces from 1940 to 1945. Today, many decades later, Norway enjoys a strong economy and is home to five million people, making it one of Europe's most sparsely populated countries. Though it is not a member of the European Union, it is closely connected to the entity and its citizens enjoy easy travel throughout the continent. The capital of Norway, Oslo , is undoubtedly its cultural, economic, and tourist center, while its diverse landscapes, fishing ports, and northern lights continue to draw visitors to other areas of the country as well. Customs of Norway Norwegians regard punctuality as a sign of respect, so it is important to be on time, whether arriving for a tour or dinner reservations. While the native people are courteous, they do not show a lot of emotion, tend to keep calm under most circumstances, and can often be very direct in their language, which can sometimes make them appear cold or aloof. This does not mean that they are inconsiderate or rude, only that they reserve a level of openness for family and friends. That being said, it is still customary to shake hands when meeting someone in Norway.

Norwegians also tend to be stylish, but dress informally, typically wearing denim and not overly worried about showing too much skin. They take pride in their country and, at the same time, value individuality immensely, which makes them quite interesting to see and meet. Holidays & Festivals in Norway If your Norway trip happens to coincide with Constitution Day (May 17), be prepared for everything to be closed that day--you'll have the privilege, however, of witnessing parades and celebrations across the country. The Christmas season also makes a particularly atmospheric time to visit, when holiday markets take over towns and cities. Norway is an excellent festival destination, with many of the major events taking place in spring and summer in Oslo , Stavanger , and Bergen . Each year, Stavanger hosts the international jazz festival MaiJazz, the International Chamber Music Festival, and a food festival called Gladmat. Bergen's famous underground music scene is embodied by Grieg in Bergen, a ten-week concert series, while the Bergen International Festival features live music, ballet, opera, and theater, and the Bergenfest concert series boasts rock, hip hop, and folk performances.

Oslo has the widest variety of festivals, from the rock-centric Norwegian Wood festival, classic Oslo Jazz Festival, and popular Ultima Contemporary Music Fest, to the medieval Oslo Middelalderfestival and the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony. Norway Travel Tips Climate of Norway Though it shares a latitude with Alaska and Siberia, warm air currents keep the climate in Norway much more pleasant than some might imagine. The warmest time to visit is during the summer months, with July being the hottest. From June to August the days are long and light and the weather is warm without being humid, even when you travel north. Fall grows chilly and is quite colorful, especially inland, while the southern coast is the last area to get cold. The winter is a snowy paradise for skiing enthusiasts, with the lower inlands dropping below freezing and the coasts staying relatively temperate. Springtime can remain rather cold and wet and is also the time when there is the greatest disparity between north and south. However, this time of year is considered the best for viewing flowers in bloom, particularly from mid-May to the beginning of June.

Transportation in Norway Getting from one place to the next on your Norway holiday should be fairly easy, thanks to an excellent transport system with clean, modern trains and buses that typically run right on schedule. In addition to the extensive bus routes in towns and cities serving both locals and tourists alike, inter-city travel is also possible on public transit. Norwegian State Railways connects Oslo with Stavanger, Bergen, Andalsnes, Trondheim, Fauske, and Bodo. From these cities, you can take regional buses to reach smaller destinations. Oslo is also well-connected with Sweden, making international travel possible sans plane. Be sure to check whether a reservation is necessary for longer train trips. Language of Norway The official language of Norway, Norwegian, is a tongue closely related to Swedish and Danish and is also the most widely used in the country, with 95 percent of the population speaking it. However, most Norwegian people know more than one language and are able to communicate in English, making travel here quite easy. Some native people in the north still speak Sami languages, though most have adopted Scandinavian languages into their lexicon. Tipping in Norway Tipping is not necessarily expected in Norway, as many restaurants and bars include service in their bills.

If you are very happy with the service, you may leave an additional tip, with 10-15 percent considered quite generous. Likewise, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers, hotel staff, or other personnel. On the other hand, haggling for a better price while shopping is not as typical here as it is in some other European countries, and would be considered strange or even rude. Inspirock Trip Planner in the News Creating your plan. You can customize and take it with you. ® Norway First Country to End FM Radio in 2017 | Hollywood Reporter Local fans of Norwegian pop band A-ha will have to go digital to hear them in the future. The Scandinavian country will eliminate the FM band entirely to make way for digital. Steely Dan, the jazz-rockers who scored a hit in 1978 with their single "FM (No Static At All)," would not be pleased. In what will likely be the opening move in a global transition to digital radio, Norway has announced it will shut down its FM band. Norway will start turning off FM radio on Jan.

11, 2017, and plans to stop transmission of the last FM signal to the country's northernmost regions by Dec. 13 of that year. The announcement , made by their Ministry of Culture, makes Norway the first country to do away entirely with FM radio. The move is intended to save money and allow a full transition to digital radio, which Norway argues will give listeners "access to more diverse and pluralistic radio content and enjoy better sound quality and new functionality." In its statement, the Norwegian government said the cost of transmitting national radio channels through the FM network is eight times higher than via the Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) system, the standard digital radio technology used across Europe. By shutting off FM, Norway's national radio channels will save more than $25 million a year, according to official figures "releasing funds for investment in radio content," argued Minister of Culture Thorhild Widvey. "This is an important day for everyone who loves radio," said Thor Gjermund Eriksen, head of public broadcasting network NRK, in a statement.

"The minister's decision allows us to concentrate our resources even more upon what is most important, namely to create high-quality and diverse radio content to our listeners." The DAB system in Norway already offers 22 national channels, compared to just five on the FM band, and has the capacity for 20 more. A recent survey by TNS Gallup found that 55 percent of Norwegian households have at least one DAB-equipped radio. Norway has long been a digital radio pioneer. NRK launched the world's first DAB channel on June 1, 1995. Other Scandinavian countries as well as the U.K. are thought to be considering an FM switch-off by 2022. The digital rollout in other European countries has been slower, with old FM radio still proving more popular in several territories.

Question: Which is the northernmost Scandinavian country?
Answer: Norway